Configurable Unlocking Command Sequence for Application Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for application-specific locking on touchscreen devices are cumbersome and limit user experience, as they often require rebooting or navigating to a special unlock screen, and do not effectively prevent accidental access to other applications, especially by children or temporary users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a configurable unlocking application, which requires a specific sequence of inputs from input devices to access restricted applications, allowing users to define and execute unlocking commands, thereby limiting access to specific applications and enabling secure access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional application locking methods are used, then application access can be limited, but the process becomes cumbersome and user experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple unlocking commands with different input sequences before the user needs to access the application. These commands are stored in advance and can be executed immediately when the user provides the required input sequence, eliminating the need for time-consuming unlocking processes during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism dynamically adapts to different user scenarios by allowing configuration of multiple unlocking commands with varying input sequences. The system can switch between different unlocking methods based on the current application state and user needs, making the process more flexible and user-friendly rather than rigid and cumbersome.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is left with children for extended periods, then children can access applications, but accidental navigation to other applications and purchases may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments application access into distinct locked and unlocked states. While the device is in the locked state, children can still access the device for entertainment purposes, but their access to specific applications (particularly those capable of purchases) is segmented off and restricted. This allows supervised access to safe applications while blocking access to potentially harmful applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking command sequence acts as an intermediary barrier between children and restricted applications. Instead of completely blocking children from the device, the system provides a simple unlocking mechanism that parents can use to temporarily grant access to specific applications. This intermediary layer prevents accidental purchases while maintaining child-friendly access to safe applications.
3Reliability
If a global device unlock screen is used, then the entire device can be unlocked, but the current application experience is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the unlock function into application-specific locking rather than a single global unlock screen. Each application can be independently locked and unlocked using the same unlocking command sequence. This segmentation allows users to maintain their current application experience without being forced to navigate through a lengthy global unlock process, as the application-level locking can be bypassed with the simple unlocking command.
Data Source
AI summary
An unlocking application limits access to a computer application on a computing device. The unlocking application is configurable with at least one unlocking command comprising a sequence of inputs received by input devices of the computing device. The unlocking application limits access to at least one of the computer applications by requiring a user of the computing device to provide the at least one unlocking command using the input devices to access the at least one computer application.